A nurse is caring for a patient immediately following endotracheal intubation.
Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize to assess the patient for complications?
Auscultate lungs for the presence of breath sounds.
Determine that the pulse oximetry is greater than 95%.
Assess baseline level of consciousness.
Assess for the presence of circumoral cyanosis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Auscultating the lungs for the presence of breath sounds is a priority action following endotracheal intubation. This helps to confirm correct tube placement and assess for complications such as a pneumothorax.
Choice B rationale
While it is important to ensure that the pulse oximetry is greater than 95% to confirm adequate oxygenation, this is not the priority action. The nurse should first confirm correct tube placement by auscultating lung sounds.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the baseline level of consciousness is important, but it is not the priority action following endotracheal intubation.
Choice D rationale
Assessing for the presence of circumoral cyanosis can indicate hypoxia, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should first confirm correct tube placement by auscultating lung sounds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that appetite and sense of smell are closely linked, the return of appetite does not necessarily mean the return of the sense of smell, especially after a total laryngectomy.
Choice B rationale
The body does not develop an ability to smell through the stoma. The sense of smell is primarily mediated by the olfactory nerve (Cranial Nerve I), which is located in the upper part of the nasal cavity.
Choice C rationale
The sense of smell does not typically return after several months following a total laryngectomy. This is because the surgery involves removal of the larynx and separation of the airway from the mouth, nose and throat.
Choice D rationale
Breathing through a stoma after a total laryngectomy does alter the sense of smell. This is because the nose and mouth are bypassed during breathing, and these are the primary routes for smell.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Applying warm compresses can help relieve the pain and pressure associated with acute rhinosinusitis by reducing inflammation and promoting sinus drainage.
Choice B rationale
Completing prescribed antibiotics is crucial in treating acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Antibiotics help eliminate the bacterial infection causing the inflammation and symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Smoking can irritate the nasal passages and exacerbate the symptoms of rhinosinusitis. Avoiding smoking can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Choice D rationale
Swimming, especially in chlorinated pools, can irritate the nasal passages and sinuses, potentially worsening the symptoms of rhinosinusitis. It’s recommended to avoid swimming until the condition has resolved.
Choice E rationale
Periorbital edema is not a normal finding and could indicate a complication of rhinosinusitis, such as a spread of the infection. If a client notices this symptom, they should seek medical attention.
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